🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Red-winged Spider Wasp

Tachypompilus ferrugineus

About Red-winged Spider Wasp

A large rusty-red spider wasp that hunts wolf spiders and other large ground spiders. It drags paralyzed prey across the ground to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Females can drag spiders many times their own weight across rough terrain to reach their nesting burrows.

How to Identify Red-winged Spider Wasp

Red-winged Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Pompilidae. Adults typically measure 18-28 mm.

Red-winged Spider Wasp Habitat

Red-winged Spider Wasp is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Red-winged Spider Wasp Diet and Feeding

Red-winged Spider Wasp is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Red-winged Spider Wasp Found?

Red-winged Spider Wasp can be found in North America, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Red-winged Spider Wasp can be found

Is Red-winged Spider Wasp Dangerous?

Red-winged Spider Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Red-winged Spider Wasp Role in Nature

Red-winged Spider Wasp serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Red-winged Spider Wasp

What does Red-winged Spider Wasp look like?

The Red-winged Spider Wasp typically measures 18-28 mm.

Where is Red-winged Spider Wasp found?

The Red-winged Spider Wasp is found in North America and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.

What does Red-winged Spider Wasp eat?

The Red-winged Spider Wasp is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Red-winged Spider Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Red-winged Spider Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Red-winged Spider Wasp?

Females can drag spiders many times their own weight across rough terrain to reach their nesting burrows.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red-winged Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-winged-spider-wasp

MLA:
"Red-winged Spider Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-winged-spider-wasp.